In the world of Type-Moon, it all begins with becoming Morgan's husband!

You realize that you may need to engage with Atorius more deeply in various ways.

44. Artoria and the Warhorse

You returned to the knights' resting place before Artoria.

He didn't notice anything unusual about you and greeted you.

"Mr. Ian!"

“Oh… Artorius, you’re back?” Ian started chatting as if nothing had happened.

"How are things? Did your brother scold you?"

“Well…” Artorius looked slightly embarrassed. “No, that’s not true. My brother is a very good person. He wouldn’t blame others so easily.”

Although there was indeed a minor unpleasantness between me and Kai just now.

However, in front of outsiders, Atolis is still very protective of his family.

Ian could completely understand this behavior—just as King Uther, though not wanting Morgan to inherit the throne, still preserved her final dignity in front of his soldiers.

The banished princess and the princess who guards Camelot are two completely different concepts.

but--

Ian observed his surroundings discreetly and soon noticed Kay hiding to the side.

Just as we had guessed.

Despite having a fight with Atolis, Kay still cares about him.

If I keep being stared at like this, it's inconvenient to ask anything—I have to get Kai away first.

After a moment's thought, Ian had an idea.

"Yes, that's true. Although your brother seems a bit impatient, he must care about you a lot."

Even now, he still protects you every step of the way.

Artorius is not stupid.

Upon hearing Ian's words, he immediately realized what was going on.

He turned around following Ian's gaze and saw Kay not far away.

“Mr. Ian, please wait a moment.”

Artorius stood up.

[Along with Atolis stood up, the single, stubborn ahoge (cowlick) on his head that he couldn't suppress no matter how hard he tried.]

[You see him walk up to Kai, put his hands on his hips, and start arguing with his brother.]

Kai seemed to realize he was in the wrong, and in the end, he could only leave in a compromising manner.

Artoria has returned to your side once again.

"Why did he leave?" Ian asked knowingly.

"Could she be angry?"

“No.” Artorius composed himself slightly. “He already had unfinished business to attend to, and he’s just going back to continue it.”

"That's it..."

Ian smiled.

"But then again, you really had a lot of presence when you were debating just now."

"I've never seen you like that before."

"This!" Artorius blushed. "Mr. Ian, I didn't mean to hide that from you!"

"Don't be nervous."

Ian patted Artorius's head.

“I didn’t say you deliberately hid it.”

"But I feel that this kind of personality is more like what you should have."

"I should have it?" Artorius asked, somewhat puzzled.

“Yes.” Ian nodded. “A swordsman should have some toughness in his character.”

"Is that right?"

Artorius did not deny Ian's words.

It's clear that he somewhat agrees with that statement.

However, just as Ian was about to say something more, he felt that familiar gaze appear again.

Kai is back.

This time, however, he was much smarter—meaning he knew to use casual conversation with others as a cover.

[But for you, this pretense is truly meaningless.]

But you also realize that simply having Artoria reprimand his brother is pointless—it won't get rid of him.

You know you have to resort to some means.

"Artorius."

"W-what's wrong, Mr. Ian?"

Would you like to try horseback riding?

"horse riding?"

“Yes.” Ian nodded. “This time, I went out on horseback.”

A glint of light appeared in Artorius's green eyes.

"Is this really okay?"

"of course."

"Mr. Ian, I'm counting on you!"

"Well, come with me."

You have obtained a legitimate reason.

You took Artorias's hand and led him outside.

As expected, Kai was still following behind.

But you don't mind.

You brought Artorias to his warhorse.

“Mr. Ian,” Artorius said, looking quite surprised, “is this your horse?”

Ian nodded.

"Correct."

"This is such a wonderfully bred horse!" Artorius exclaimed, standing before the warhorse and gazing at its mane.

"Superior coat color, strong limbs, and these freshly made horseshoes!"

“Mr. Ian, it must feel lucky to be your warhorse!”

This time, it was Ian's turn to be a little surprised.

"Artorius, do you really know so much about horses?"

“Yes.” Artorius’s slightly raised eyebrows showed that he was somewhat proud at this moment.

“Mr. Ian, this is something a knight must know, so I have some understanding of it.”

"Your warhorse is indeed exceptional."

"..."

Ian glanced discreetly at Kay, who was hiding in the shadows, and then at Artorius, who was overjoyed because it involved things he knew.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking:

“Alright then, Artorius.”

"I'll give you this horse."

"what?"

Atolis was taken aback at first, and then he suddenly realized what was going on.

“No, no, no!” he waved his hands. “Mr. Ian, how can I take your horse?”

"If that's the case, you won't have a horse!"

“It’s alright,” Ian said calmly. “I can just find any horse in the village that I can ride back.”

"Once we get to Camelot, I'll get a different horse."

Camelot certainly has no shortage of warhorses.

After all, both Ian and Morgan are quite sensitive about this kind of thing.

"This……"

Seeing that Artorias still looked hesitant, Ian continued.

"Artorius, every knight should have his own warhorse."

"Since you know it so well, I think it will be happy to receive this appreciation."

"Mr. Ian..."

“Alright.” Ian gently patted Artorius on the shoulder.

"Try riding the horse first; you have to take this first step eventually."